When you’re mindlessly scrolling in your cubicle, trying to get over the February slump like the rest of us, you have the choice of not being boring. You don’t need to book another ski chalet or redwoods cabin—California is full of strange and wonderful homes to stay in for a weekend.
To help you daydream and procrastinate at work, we’ve rounded up some of the most unique Airbnbs you can rent now.
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1. Lighthouse Keeper’s Apartment—Point Arena, CA
Fulfill your dreams of being a lighthouse keeper at this property, which boasts all the romantic perks — isolation from the rest of the world, majestic views of the North Coast, unlimited access to the lighthouse, 23 acres of seaside property all to yourself — without your having to take on the actual responsibility of guiding lost seamen home. Make sure to visit the museum on the grounds to learn more about the history of the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast, and don’t forget to say hi to the lighthouse staff too.
Rates from $222/night; minimum stays vary from two to four nights
2. The Tile House—Twentynine Palms, CA
This home is for those who follow @ihavethisthingwithfloors. Located in the middle of the desert, this house is completely decked with colorful Mexican tiles. Artist and superhost Perry has been working on this two-bedroom house since 2000 and has continuously added glass-fused baubles and mosaics everywhere. It’s fitting that Perry calls this place a “desert homestead turned beacon of love” because of its surreal nature as a living, breathing piece of art. It may be just seven miles from the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, but it sure feels otherworldly.
Rates from $185/night
3. Magic School Bus—Salinas, CA
You don’t have to wait around for Ms. Frizzle to magically appear at your front door or for the Netflix revival of the beloved children’s series to come out, for that matter, to take your first magical bus ride—that is, if your definition of magical bus ride means staying in a converted school bus located in a private bamboo garden in Monterey Bay. This bus is parked in a five-acre ranch owned by couple Angel and Satsimran, who also host yoga retreats on the property. If you can get up early enough, you have the option to join Satsimran’s early Kundalini Yoga sessions or gong meditations.
Rates from $45/night
4. Mongolian Yurt—Colfax, CA
Yurts are not all that unique on Airbnb anymore, but this bright and bold property is definitely one of our favorites. Nestled in the Sierra Foothills, this authentic Mongolian yurt also offers Asian-inspired body treatments during your stay, such as Chinese Lotus Leaf Foot Wrap and Thai Herbal Massage. Also, a hot tub awaits you just right outside the yurt.
Rates from $152/night, with a two-night minimum on weekends
5. Mushroom Dome Cabin—Aptos, CA
No NorCal list is complete without the Mushroom Dome Cabin. Apparently, it’s the number-one-rated Airbnb in the world, and for good reason: the unique geodesic shape of the cabin alone practically jumped out of the set of The Hobbit. Once you’re inside, you’ll truly feel like you’re camping up in the trees, given the view of the redwoods from the triangle-shaped windows. But instead of uncomfortably falling asleep on branches Hunger Games–style, you’ll get to doze off in this rustic-decorated haven.
Rates from $125/night
6. The Love Nest—Morongo Valley, CA
Howdy, anybody fancy a stay at the ranch? The Love Nest is up for grabs for any lovers looking for a Western getaway at Genuine Event Ranch, a 10-acre wedding venue. The photos indicate that this cozy room above the barn not only comes with a spacious private deck and an outdoor shower with views of Mount San Jacinto but also with plenty of Bachelor-style red roses at your arrival. Aside from the sound of Romeo the burro (pictured on the left) neighing for his breakfast in the mornings, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the serenity and silence of the desert with your s/o here.
Rates from $125/night
7. 1969 Airstream International—Mill Valley, CA
Airstreams have been having a moment for a while now, but what makes this refurbished Airstream a hidden gem is its time-capsule qualities. With its retro chic decor, the Haven is guaranteed to make you feel like you’ve gone back to the days of Don Draper. You’ll find ’60s artifacts all over the place, like a lava lamp and vintage California pottery. Staying at this iconic midcentury silver bullet will surely give you a newfound appreciation for both vintage trailers and smartly designed smaller spaces — at the very least, the New York Times did. The Haven is parked in the backyard of Marsha and Floyd, natives of Mill Valley since the ’70s, and is only minutes away from Mt. Tamalpais State Park.
Rates from $150/night
8. Gingerbread Cottage—Geyserville, CA
Make your way to the gingerbread cottage, all without the risk of getting burned alive by the wicked witch or getting diabetes. A “uniquely constructed cob” made of pallets set upright with a ceiling covered with reed fencing and fully recycled windows, this particular cottage is just one of the many hobbit huts offered at the Isis Oasis Retreat Center. They serve as models of natural organic building, using materials from the property. Hansel and Gretel may not be chewing their way down here anytime soon, but you sure can.
Rates from $87/night
9. Off-the-Grid Tree House—Gasquet, CA
NorCal sure loves its tree houses, but you can really go off the grid when you rent this one. This tree house is not for the faint of heart: this tree house offers no electricity, no bathrooms and no kitchen. With views overlooking the valley in Six Rivers National Forest, it might just be worth it. But what’s cool about this off-the-grid property is the fact that you won’t be completely alone, as it’s set at MMV Ecovillage. Observe and even immerse yourself in this community dedicated to sustainable projects and permaculture living. Aside from having goats, chickens and dogs on the property (and maybe having a black bear sighting or two, if you’re lucky), occupants also have the option to WWOOF (working weekends on organic farms) for stays longer than two weeks.
Rates from $86/night
10. Japanese Oceanview Retreat—Stinson Beach, CA
If you think we listed a Airbnb in Kyoto by accident, think again. This one is for all the Muji fans who’s been dreaming of a Japanese getaway without wanting to break the bank. This abode is just a few minutes away from Stinson Beach. Sleep in a Japanese yukata (kimono), and venture next door to take a dip in the property’s Japanese soaking tub—right by the bamboo garden, of course. But just in case you forget that you never left California, the gorgeous views of the Pacific from the patio will surely remind you.
Rates from $175/night
